[Aim of the study]: Ready-to-eat and pre-packed vegetables are increasingly accepted by consumers but little is known about the effect of these technological approaches on the bioavailability of the nutrients. To assess the effect of modified-atmosphere packaging (MAP) on the bioavailability in humans of carotenoids and tocopherols from broccoli. [Results]: Serum lutein increased significantly upon broccoli intake but those of β-carotene, α- and γ-tocopherol did not reach statistical significance. Serum changes were observed regardless of the type of broccoli consumed. [Conclusions]: Modified-atmosphere packaging does not affect significantly the in vivo bioavailability of carotenoids and tocopherols from broccoli, supporting its convenience for use by the food industry and consumers.

This work was funded by Ministerio de Ciencia y Tecnología (AGL-2002-04059-C02-01) and the Instituto de Salud Carlos III (PI 051610), Spain.

7 páginas, 4 tablas.

Peer reviewed